Klaus Nomi

1944-1983. A life-size sci-fiopera-singing action figure, the creation of Bavarian-born chef (and NYC scenester) Klaus Sperber. A sight to see, a sight to hear. Brought to wider notoriety via the efforts of Michael O'Donoghue (Saturday Night Live's "Mr. Mike"), David Bowie, and Nomi's reworking of Lou Christie's classic "Lightning Strikes". Bowie's 1979SNL performance, with Nomi as a backup singer (in the foreground), is one for the ages. His vocal style was somewhat of a rare bird; he was a countertenor, which is almost the highest-pitched male singing voice, just under falsetto. The result was a masterpiece of androgyny sight-unseen, but in person, his receding hairline gave him away.